Wind is an obvious renewable energy source as it blows freely and is truly renewable – it will never run out. It has been harnessed for over 6,000 years, first for powering boats, windmills and wind pumps, and now for generating electricity.
Modern wind equipment ranges from small water pumps and small chargers (used to charge batteries at remote locations) to large multi-megawatt wind turbines arranged in wind farms that supply power to the electricity grid.
Large modern wind turbines can be up to 80 meters in height and have rotor diameters up to 65 meters. Almost all wind turbines producing electricity consist of two or three rotor blades, which face into the wind. The wind turns the blades round, which spins the shaft. The shaft is connected to a generator, which is where the electricity is produced. Commercial turbines range in capacity from a few hundred kilowatts to over two megawatts.
Wind farms can be located on or offshore. It is more expensive to have offshore wind farms, although the price is coming down. However, the stronger and more constant winds generally found at sea means that more electricity can be generated.
The Government's ‘Low Carbon Buildings Programme’ is designed to help with cost of installing wind turbines.
Contacts
Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre for London
Telephone: 0800 512012
E-mail: advice@est-london.org.uk
Website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/london